Concerto for Flute (1994)

John Harbison's Flute Concerto is a charmer. The soloist carries on an intense dialogue with the orchestra. Both sides make arresting, tightly constructed arguments; both dabble in subtle imitations of birdsong along the way. The music is filled with aural surprises; at one point various instruments suggest delicate music boxes, unwinding mysteriously.

Pulitzer Prize-winning composer John Harbison's FLUTE CONCERTO showed off the strengths of the ASO. The orchestra made a lovely sound. The opening dialogue between soloist and the two flautists of the orchestra soared brightly.